elcome to Contrary
Mary’s! We are a small, family-owned greenhouse located southwest of Chicago,
and we specialize in unusual perennials,
hostas, peonies,
and unique fruits and vegetables that you won’t find at big chain nurseries. We can help you find the perfect plant for your sunny (or shady, damp,
dry, etc.) spot to provide color and texture. Our plants are perfectly
suited to our Midwest environment in Chicagoland; all of our perennials
are hardy to at least Zone 5, and are plants that I think are excellent
additions to everyone’s garden (gotta haves!)

Summer is in full bloom....

This time of year is the time to dream and plan---that’s what makes Gardeners so great as we are always optimistic and looking forward (we gotta, right?!). I’ve been busy updating our new offerings for 2015, and it looks like we have SCADS of new hostas, tons of new “OMG those aren’t really Daylilies are they” daylilies, practically a peck of perky new peonies, and bits and bobs of new unusual perennials!

For those of you who are into Heirloom Veggies (and who isn’t???!), I’ve added 18 “new” tomatoes and 15 “new” peppers. As I also was able to try many of the newbies from last year I’ve added pictures and commentary, so be sure to check it out! As always, I would be over the moon to get feedback, so PLEASE let me know what you think about stuff you’ve tried!

Keep checkin’ back as I’m always adding new stuff….FINALLY managed to do a new hosta intro page so tell me what ya think! And don’t forget, it’s never too early to place an order ‘cause being “small but mighty” means we have LOTSA varieties but sometimes small numbers and I wouldn’t want to sell out on you! Don’t forget you can order Hostas, Peonies and Daylilies thru our secure shopping cart site via our online store.

Feel free to give us a call at (815)521-9535 or e-mail us with questions, to find out when a plant is ready, orders, comments, or great thoughts! Looks like our opening day will be April 22, 2015 so see ya then!

Farm Hours

Tuesday - Saturday

9 am - 5 pm

Sundays

10 am - 3 pm

Mondays

closed

note: we will close at 4:00 on Friday, July 24

ere located near the intersection of I-80 and I-55 (see us on
a map!) To get to our farm and nursery from Chicago
and suburbs, take Interstate 55 south to the Route 52 exit and go west
(towards Shorewood). We are approximately 7 miles from that point. Once
you reach the intersection of Route 52 and Ridge road (a 4-way stop),
keep going straight. We are exactly 1.7 miles west, on the north (right-hand)
side of Route 52. Our phone number at the Farm is (815) 521-9535.

As always, we are grateful for your loyalty, support, and patronage—we sure couldn’t do it without you! We can’t wait to visit with you at the Farm … see ya soon!!! Enjoy life, keep smilin’, and think green!